If you've left your company retirement plan on automatic pilot because you're afraid to take the controls, you're not alone. A September 2010 study by the Charles Schwab Corp. called "The New Rules of Engagement for 401(k) Success" found that only 47 percent of 401(k) participants feel "very confident" about making investment decisions.

Financial planner Jennifer Lane, founder and principal of Compass Planning Associates as well as author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Protecting Your 401(k) and IRA," says many people are so confused about what to do with their 401(k)s and other employer-provided plans that they ignore them altogether.

Instead of dodging decisions in hopes of coasting your way toward your retirement savings goal, follow these five tips to become a more confident, hands-on investor.

Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused. We do not permit the inclusion of hyperlinks in comments and may remove any comment that includes a hyperlink.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on certain links posted on this website.